Tips for Making a Successful Online Microsurgery Educational Platform – The Experience of International Microsurgery Club

The presence of online learning resources has grown tremendously in recent years. They provide powerful and yet easily accessible means of learning and sharing knowledge. Online learning resources now encompass all aspects of medicine, and microsurgery is no exception. International Microsurgery Club (IMC) is a closed, invitation-only group based on the Facebook social media platform. It was initiated on May 6, 2016, with primary objectives of providing a convenient forum for discussing challenging cases, sharing valuable resources, and providing opportunities for research collaboration. The membership of IMC has grown over 8700 at two year of existence, and continues to expand. IMC has become one of the largest online platforms for global microsurgeons. Here, we share our experience on how to establish a successful online platform for medical education. Financial disclosure statement: None of the authors have financial interests in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this manuscript. This article has been presented at the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, 2017, Seoul, South Korea. Correspondence author and requests for reprints: Tommy Nai-Jen Chang, M.D. Assistant Professor, Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu-Hsing St. Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Tel: 886-3-3281200 Ext. 3355, Fax: 886-3-3289582, E-mail: tommynjchang@yahoo.com.tw ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons